American Crossword Puzzle Tournament

by Word Buff
(Organizer - Will Shortz, Ed. New York Times Crossword)

The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (usually known as the ACPT) is the biggest crossword tournament in the world, and has been held annually since 1978.

Here's a little number created by a regular competitor by the name of Parnell Hall that gives you the true flavor of the event — fiercely competitive, but palpably friendly...

There are lots of divisions (so novices are welcome!) and plenty of prize categories too, so you don't need to fancy yourself as the fastest crossword solver in the world to enter. But speaking of fast crossword solvers, you might like to take a squiz at my interview with Tyler Hinman, a 5-times ACPT Champ!

The tournament is directed by none other than Will Shortz. For those who've never heard of him, he is the editor of the New York Times Crossword — the most prestigious syndicated crossword puzzle in America. (He's the guy handing out the trophies in the video I just showed you.)

The crossword tournament spans an entire weekend with the leaders in the top divisions facing a sudden-death play off in front of a live audience on the Sunday (see the picture at the top of this article).

As if to ensure just the right balance between intensity and frivolity, though, the deathly serious finals are preceded by a Crossworders Got Talent show, featuring ACPT contestants. I can't resist showing you my favorite entry. The singer and lyricist for this one is Amanda Yesnowitz, and this is her entry for 2009. You might recognize the song...

Previous Champions

Here is a list of all American Crossword Puzzle Tournament Champions since the first event was held in 1978. Names that appear as links are winners who have been interviewed by Word Buff. Just click the link to go to the interview...

2011—Dan Feyer

2010—Dan Feyer

2009—Tyler Hinman

2008—Tyler Hinman

2007—Tyler Hinman

2006—Tyler Hinman

2005—Tyler Hinman

2004—Trip Payne

2003—Jon Delfin

2002—Jon Delfin

2001—Ellen Ripstein

2000—Douglas Hoylman

1999—Jon Delfin

1998—Trip Payne

1997—Douglas Hoylman

1996—Douglas Hoylman

1995—Jon Delfin

1994—Douglas Hoylman

1993—Trip Payne

1992—Douglas Hoylman

1991—Jon Delfin

1990—Jon Delfin

1989—Jon Delfin

1988—Douglas Hoylman

1987—David Rosen

1986—David Rosen

1985—David Rosen

1984—John McNeill

1983—David Rosen

1982—Stanley Newman

1981—Philip Cohen

1980—Daniel Pratt

1979—Miriam Raphael

1978—Nancy Schuster


If you want to find out more about this mandatory event on the cruciverbalist's calendar, I suggest you pop on over to the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament website. It's all there.